McKnight

Robert Willard McKnight, 77, of Grove City, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at 8:24 a.m., following a brief illness.

Robert was born Oct. 23, 1948, in Grove City, Mercer County, to Carl Edwin McKnight and Esther Elizabeth Coulter McKnight.

He married Erma Jean Thompson on Oct. 1, 1968, and she preceded him in death on May 26, 2023. Robert was a U.S. Army veteran and served honorably in Vietnam. He had been employed at Baxter Healthcare where he was a service specialist.

He was a proud Vietnam veteran, loved helping on the family farm, and created beautiful things in his wood shop. His family and friends were everything to him and he was always up for an adventure!

Survivors include his son, James E. (Ruth) McKnight, of Grove City; granddaughter, Aly McKnight and fiancé, Dustin Richards, of Palm Bay, Fla., and great-granddaughter, Raelynn; granddaughter, Morgan (Adam) Sutton, of Grove City, and great-granddaughter, Ella.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and brother, Edward McKnight.

MCKNIGHT — There will be no formal visitation or services for Robert Willard McKnight, who died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.

Service arrangements are by SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Slippery Rock.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.